ENGL286C: Introduction to Linguistics

Focuses on linguistics, the scientific study of language. Students explore the properties of language and linguistic challenges faced by English language learners. The course will expand on the subfields within the linguistics: phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax, and semantics and pragmatics. Concepts relevant to teaching English will be taught: pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Language variation and written discourse will also be addressed as well as how to apply this knowledge to the English language classroom. Linguistic principles and features of both English and other languages will be examined to promote familiarity with the language experiences of English language learners. A native speaker of a world language will act as a “grammar text” as we decipher an unknown grammar in a field methods format. This course is required for those in the TECP: ESOL Conversion program. Others must have permission from the director of TECP or the director of cross-cultural education.